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Realms: Idlewild Logs

February 2

Feb 2 2003

Steven is woken gently for his watch-- the last watch, and thus an earlier personal morning-- by Willow, whose blue eyes are wider than normal. The young elf almost stammers when he says, "Good morning, M-- Steven, sir. M-- Sol seemed to think it was all right," and steps back again to let the monk of Pelor have a better view of camp. Aiden is curled up asleep, as is a furry wolf-shape beside him-- the new form of Soleil, whose cursed daylight form seems to be affected by something that has happened recently. Night is still an hour or two away, and Sol has not yet changed back to an elf. Another furry pile is curled up where Seodil had been tied-- and an elven captive-- when Steven went to sleep, leaving Aiden to take the first watch.

Steven doesn't yawn -- too broadly, at least -- and smiles to Willow. His sleep was peaceful, and while he doesn't remember what dreams he had, he has the feeling they're going in the right direction -- a rather nice change of pace from the vague feeling of forboding. "Thank you, Willow. Why don't you get some sleep. What was it that Sol said was-- all right." He is frowning at the large fur pile where Seodil had been. He looks around quickly, trying to see if Aiden still has the cloak. "Uhm... yeah, what did Sol say was 'all right?'"

The cloak is not visible on Aiden. Willow looks at Steven rather helplessly and says, "Uh... he didn't say anything, he's been a, um, wolf. But he didn't seem..." he looks over toward the pile of fur that isn't Sol-- "--alarmed. He woke me after standing watch and then went over there and curled up."

Steven opens his mouth, looking over at Seodil, then closes his mouth, blinking. "Uhm... well, now.... I guess that means...." He considers thoughtfully for a momnt, then a smile touches his lips a little. He looks up to Willow. "it's okay, Willow. Get some sleep, we've got a long trip tonight."

Willow bobs his lustrous blue head quickly, then goes to lie down in his own turn. Steven's watch passes uneventfully, and the peace of his calling fills him this evening despite the sun's setting. The symbol of his god, briefly in his hand rather than around his neck, catches the last flaming shards of sunset and burns a glorious orange for a moment before the sun finally sinks and a sleepy murmur comes from Sol's direction. The elf has already risen and is pulling on his leather pants.

Seodil, too, arises shortly, and looks over to Sol after he dresses. His garments look like they have been resewn after tearing. They were whole when Steven last saw him awake. Soleil returns Seodil's look calmly, with what might be a slight smile, and leans against a tree to wait for the rest to wake. After a moment's pause, Seodil walks over to Aiden's still-sleeping form, leans down, and kisses him on the forehead.

Aiden makes a sleepy noise and rolls over to see who woke him up. When he notices that it's Seodil, rather than Sol that kissed him, he winces and says. "I wasn't expecting you.."

Seodil chuckles heartlessly and says something along the lines of "Rise and shine," then walks off without a backward glance.

Steven tenses a little as he sees Seodil awaken, reaching up with his hand in a gesture, and half-opens his mouth to say something -- or shout something -- but freezes utterly when he sees the kiss. So he's sitting there for about a minute looking like he's just about to say something with his hand upraised in no particular direction.

Aiden shakes his head at Seodil's retreating back, then combs his fingers through his hair, yawns and stretches. He looks at Sol. "I was expecting you. Good morning Sol.. You too, Steven."

Steven's eyes flick over to Aiden, and he really can't do much more than just nod once.

Steven eventually finds his voice. "Can... someone tell me what happened?"

Aiden's eyes flick over to Sol. "Guess that'd be me, since I was the one that was awake at the time.."

Seodil leans against a tree near Sol, watching the smaller elf with an indecipherable look. Sol smiles briefly at Aiden, then settles into seriousness and tells him, "I owe you a favor." He then subsides and waits for Aiden's explanation, a small smile playing on his lips.

Steven was trained to be patient; he merely nods his head vogorously to Aiden.

Willow makes himself inconspicuous, tidying up camp and packing while the storm waits to fall... or pass by.

Aiden sits down crosslegged. "Well.. I spent a lot of time talking to Seodil about the court after you all went to bed last night. I asked him about what happened to you, Sol. I finally got some answers that I'm fairly certain were straight. I got him thinking about the rights of succession and such. I took a risk, but I had to know. I gave him back the cloak to see if Sol changes with the Pack, which would make him heir, unless Lua is the same." He shrugs a little. "It was dumb, yeah."

Steven listens. When Aiden is done, he raises his shoulders. "Maybe not dumb. I could see that Sol's change... had an effect." He stands and stretches, yawning a bit. "So! We all set to head out?"

Aiden blinks. He was not expecting Steven to react quite so.. calmly.

Seodil's voice says across the space, calmly, "I have not yet eaten you. It does not seem entirely dumb." He turns to incline his head graciously to Steven. "You had an important point regarding honor, priest. Our status has changed in the night; I no longer owe the King my allegiance. I follow the rightful heir, and will protect those interests. I do not appreciate having been lied to.. nor will certain others of my Pack."

Steven blinks a little to Seodil, then inclines his head in turn. "Thank you, Seodil. And thank you for telling us what you have."

Aiden looks over at Seodil, "You have to admit that it was a big risk for me, though.." He stands up and straightens out his clothing before he goes to help Willow break camp.

The haughty elf continues, stiff-necked, "It may even be that I owe you an apology, as the loyal subjects of the true heir. We are no longer at odds." He blinks at Steven, surprised at the thanks, and says, "You are welcome."

Aiden looks over his shoulder. "No apology needed, Seodil. Let's just start this over, eh?"

Steven nods, and starts to pack up what he can as well.

Seodil'sexpression changes subtly when Aiden speaks, then flashes into a short, fierce grin. "The slate is clean, then. As your ally, I will also tell you that if you take such a risk in the future without consulting your companions, I will bite you."

Steven can't quite stifle a laugh at that.

Aiden laughs, despite himself. "Fair enough. I'll do my best not to plunge us over any more waterfalls, literally or figuratively."

The elves look puzzled in unison, then shrug and turn to speak quietly for a moment. Sol raises his voice and says, "We have a choice. Seodil can lead us to the closest members of the Hunt who may have Lua, but they are not all loyal to the true heir-- some of them were on the hunt that murdered my mother, unlike Seodil and those who lied to. Our other choice is to try to beat them back to the Palace, where Seodil suspects Lotte and Penny are being held-- and where he believes we will find allies."

Steven taps his chin. "We'll also find the King of Winter there, won't we?"

Aiden looks faintly embarrassed. "We went over a waterfall when we were tracking Seodil through the caves. Long story." He looks at Steven. "Hmm. How many are we going to end up facing if we follow the ones that may have Lua?"

Seodil says, "I do not know where the King is. He is not distinct from the rest of the Hunt... unlike the former Queen. He could be with either party." He blinks at Aiden, then closes his eyes a moment as if in thought. "Perhaps twenty."

Aiden frowns. "I'm all for trying to beat them back, but only if they're not likely to put Lua's life in danger.."

Soleil looks deeply unhappy, but nods to Seodil as the older elf says, "My orders were to bring the twins in alive. Once we reached the Palace and gave them to our master, our task ended... he did not tell us his intent."

Steven considers. "If we go to the palace directly, we'll have the chance to reconnoiter it. Then, if we find it's too dangerous, we can try to ambush the party heading towards the palace, some distance away. Going to the palace first, then, might be a good idea.

Aiden nods at Steven.

Both elves nod, Seodil more easily than Soleil. Sol says miserably, "She's not dead. I'd know. I agree with you, my friends... and it was also Seodil's recommendation."

Aiden looks at Sol. "We'll find her, Sol. Don't worry."

Willow crouches with the packed provisions and tent, mute and waiting.

Steven nods quietly and with assurance. "We definitely will."

Sol glances at Aiden and Steven and nods, making a small gesture and twisted smile before turning away and walking ahead.

Aiden sighs a little and slings his backpack on, following Sol.

Steven puts on his own backpack, and waits for Willow before heading out after Aiden.

Seodil slips free of his clothing and melts into fur. He huffs at Willow, who hastily gathers the mended garments as he moves out.

Steven arches an eyebrow at the huff, and thinks he's going to have to watch how their new travelling companion treats the young acolyte of Loviatar.

Aiden picks up his pace, to come up beside Sol. "Sol?" he touches the elf's shoulder. "We will find her, I promise you. We're not going to leave her. We tried to find her. You have no idea how hard we tried.. We're not going to give up now."

Steven grimaces as he tries to catch up to the rest. Blast, he thinks. I'm starting to think I'm working with a serious physical disadvantage here, not to mention magical....

The golden elf, potential heir to a throne most of the party has never seen, turns a tear-streaked face to Aiden at the touch. He almost whispers, "I know. I believe you, Aiden. I couldn't doubt you... you came back for me, after all. It's just... horrible, that's all. She's my sister..."

Aiden sighs at Sol and reaches up to touch his cheek softly. "I'm so sorry, Sol. I know what she means to you. I'm sorry we couldn't find her."

In a smaller voice yet, Sol says, "I don't want the throne..." He looks away. "...I'm so selfish."

Aiden blinks and almost stops walking. "You don't want it, and you're selfish for that? I don't understand...?"

Steven listens to the conversation, but bites his tongue a little; best to let Aiden and Sol talk without him interrupting and saying something wrong.

Soleil says, "I don't want her to die and leave me with this." His voice is nothing if not mixed... self-loathing, anger, and fear are all present.

Aiden shakes his head, "Sol, that's not selfish.."

Steven keeps pace with Sol as best as he can, but stays nearby Willow. He blinks at Willow's load. "Good grief, how'd you come to be carrying all that? HEre, now; let me take some of that off of you." He tries to make Willow's load a little more appropriate. "Phyical exertion can help build discipline, but not if we all need to be ready at a moment's notice to do something other than haul tons of stuff hither and yon."

Sol smiles wryly and scrubs at the tearstains on his elegant face. "I'm afraid it is... I can't tell anymore if it's love or fear that makes me frantic. Half the time I'm mad at her, Aiden. If that's not selfish..."

Aiden says, "It's not selfish. You miss her, but that has different and odd ways of showing itself sometimes."

Willow allows Steven to readjust the load meekly, but says, "I'm strong, and I cannot fight... I wanted to help. If we must fight, you should not be burdened."

Willow gives Steven a trusting look.

Soleil reaches over roughly and hugs Aiden to him with one arm, crushingly. He says only, "I don't want to rule... but I think I do want to deserve you."

Steven says, "That may be so, Willow,,but I suspect that whatever we meet will not care if any of us can or cannot fight." HE can't help but smile a bit. "Well. With a little luck we won't have to worry about that.""

Aiden goes a lovely shade of red rather instantly, he says, quietly, "You don't have to.. you can have me any time you want.."

Willow looks wide-eyed at Steven and a bit confused, but nods and says, "As you wish. Shall I continue the breath exercises today, or do you have something different to teach me? I think... if you don't mind, tell me why you follow your god?"

Steven blinks at the question. "Oh, I don't mind at all. I'll answer as best as I can." He is thoughtful for a moment, gathering his thoughts.

Soleil's mouth stays briefly open, then he looks straight ahead. His arm stays lingeringly around Aiden as they walk for a bit, then slides away as he resumes more serious travelling. The tips of his pointed ears are pink, and a real smile touches the corners of his mouth.

Aiden lapses into silence after that. Apparently there was no small bit of effort put into actually gathering up the spine necessary for him to say that out loud. He just walks, slowing his pace slightly.

Steven says, "I was an orphan when my master first took me in. At the time, I'd been raised to fear a god with all my heart and mind. To examine everything I'd done in the light of whether it would satisfy that god or make Him angry." He shakes his head a bit, thinking back to the time in the Catholic orphanage. "I couldn't live that way. Always in fear, always desperately wondering if I was satisfactory or not. Then... I found my master. And he told me of a different god -- maybe a different way of looking at the same god, but this one, he had a different name. I learned what it meant to serve this god: it meant to serve myself at the same time. To be a whole person, striving for enlightenment. To do all I could for others, to give of myself, to be filled with a kind of trust in the world. It wasn't a matter of finding living for Lord Pelor to be easier than Iehovah. In some ways it's harder. But it's worthwhile. I know -- well, I have a better idea of my place in the cosmos. And I have a better idea of how to get there. Does that answer your question?"

Willow listens intently, even hungrily, and takes a while before nodding slowly. "I... I think so. But... if you want to tell me more, tonight when we camp, or whenever... I think I'm also still curious." He gives Steven an almost shy, respectful look.

Steven smiles, and nods, "I'd be glad to, Willow." And I won't even try to drag you away from Loviatar... not unless you want to. And I hope to Pelor that, someday, you'll want to.

The acolyte of Loviatar walks on with a strangely thoughtful expression.

Soleil looks back at Aiden out of the corner of his eye several times during the night, but avoids speaking, though he smiles whenever he is caught.

Seodil ranges freely from front to back of the party, offering no threat to anyone. Those from the Grey World find it difficult to keep the pace that he and Sol set, but when they finally set up camp for the day, before the dawn breaks, he announces, "We are too slow. We will not arrive first unless there are changes in our travel." He chews a strip of deer angrily, as if this is a personal affront.

Aiden frowns, "We can't move as fast as you do. We're all having a bit of a time of keeping up with you two.."

Steven provides, "If you have a suggestion that we can use, please, tell us."

Seodil slants his silver gaze at Aiden and then includes Steven, with a thin-lipped smile. "If we travelled on more feet..."

Aiden nods. "Understood. You'll have to help me with that though. I don't even know where to start."

Steven grins. "Somehow, I don't think you mean for us to ride you." He thinks then shake shis head. "You're right. If we were all shapeshifters, it might go quicker and faster...."

Seodil's smile broadens. Soleil looks carefully blank. The silver elf says, "I can help you with that, Aiden. As for Steven... are you also willing to try, priest? You smell as though you have the right blood, but it will be painful. We do not have time to do this gently."

Steven blinks, sitting up in surprise. "I do? You mean, I'm...?" An elf? Or a part-elf? What? How? Wait... this all goes back to who our father was, according to Birch.... He swallows. "If it is neccessary to help us do what we need to do... then yes, I am willing." But wlling to do what?

Sol stirs, says "You can't just do it and turn it off again. You need to know that. He's talking about making you members of the Hunt, if it works." The words come out in a rush, as if part of him didn't want to say it.

Steven glances between Sol and Seodil, then looks to Aiden. "All right. We need to know more. What does being a member of the Hunt mean? Assuming this works."

Aiden looks at Steven thoughtfully, then turns to watch Sol and Seodil. He's curious, too.

Soleil speaks over Seodil; the older elf shuts his mouth and defers to Sol's answer. The golden elf looks at his friends soberly and says, "If it works... you will not go home and resume your normal lives when you find a door. You will always have a furred skin that you must wear, or hide safely, in order to keep control over your change. You will change, every cycle of the moon against your will if you do not do it more often of your own accord. Your shape will be linked to that of the rest of the Hunt; you will know when they are close, and sometimes where they are, depending on how strongly you bond with us... normal packmembers sometimes have only a weak sense of this, it varies between individuals. Your skin--" he looks at Seodil's cloak-- "is part of you. If it's destroyed, you may not survive."

Steven bites his lips a bit. "May... I have some time to consider?

Aiden stares off into the distance thoughtfully, pondering. They probably already think I'm dead.. I did disappear into a pretty effing big lake afterall. I guess it all comes down to whether or not I want to stay here or go home. Home.. I'm not sure I even know where that is anymore. As he thinks, his expression goes from thoughtful, to mildly distressed, to conflicted.

Sol says, "My change is cursed. My own skin has been pushed back into me... I will do this with whoever chooses it, if you do. Seodil and I think it may restore me to control... and once I have that control, I may be able to dictate the shape of my own pack, like the King does of his."

Steven's eyes flick to Sol. 'Pushed back in?' That sounds... really, incredibly painful.

Soleil stands and reaches to touch Steven's shoulder gently. "Of course... and if you choose not to, I will not think less of you. If I can get back my control, we could perhaps carry those with two legs, as dire wolves."

Aiden is unconsciously twisting a strand of his hair. He chews on his bottom lips. Sol said he was being selfish before. I guess if he was selfish, it's my turn to be now. I feel more at home, more alive, here than I ever did there. I want this. I want to stay here. Let them grieve for me there, this is my place now. I can feel it.. He looks up, face more somber than anyone here has ever seen it. "I'm with you."

Steven blinks, looking up at Soleil. Reading his mind...? Does it matter? He nods quietly. "I understand. As I said... let me have some time to think about it?" My life is not entirely my own... I need to see if Lord Pelor has guidance, one way or another.

Sol closes his eyes hard for a moment and bows his head as Aiden speaks. He looks shockingly old for a moment, closer to seventy than twenty, then raises dark eyes to meet Aiden's. He says, "And I will be with you." His eyes are very sober, with flickers of something else.

Aiden nods at Sol. "Thanks."

Seodil shows an unusual sense of tact, and steps closer to Steven to say, "In order for us to reach them in time, it must be done tomorrow, after we rest. I would give you longer if I could. Keep in mind that if you go unwilling, you will do worse than fail. The magic is not forgiving."

Steven nods to Seodil. "I understand. I will know for certain, one way or another, unequivocably."

The silver elf nods gravely. "I will respect your answer, when you come to me after we wake. I will not ask you twice, as if I do not believe you know your mind."

Steven smiles softly. "Thank you, Seodil. I appreciate the respect."

Seodil's short nod has respect and not a touch of sentiment. The elf then walks away to prepare for his rest.

Aiden curls up on the ground and closes his eyes, his head rested on his backpack. "Anyone mind if I don't take first watch? I'm tired..."

Seodil says, "I can take it."

Aiden nods at Seodil and closes his eyes again, letting himself fall asleep.

Sol yawns and says, "While I have a voice, I'll call second." Willow speaks for third, with a look to confirm it's not taking Steven's place.

Steven nods, and settles himself into a meditative position. "I'll take fourth, then. That should be enough time....

Aiden mumbles, "I'll take last watch."

Soleil goes to curl up behind Aiden with a blanket, still in elf-shape.

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Last modified: 2001-Jun-12 14:20:21

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